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Aviation History
1983
1983 - 1852.PDF
PRIVATE FLIGHT Interceptor turboprop single returns SAN ANTONIO A pressurised single-engined turboprop originally certifi cated in 1971 should soon be in production in the USA. The Interceptor 400 evolved from the Meyers 200 low-wing four seater, which in turn was pro duced as the Aero Com mander 200. Now the design has been taken over by Texas- based Prop-Jets, which plans a limited production run in San Antonio. The Interceptor was the first FAA-certificated pressurised turboprop single, and is being brought back to the market in response to the new interest in turboprop singles, exemplified by the Beech Lightning, Smith Prop-Jet and the Cessna Caravan I. The four-seat Interceptor was originally engined with a Garrett TPE 331-1-101J, flat- rated to 400 s.h.p. The new aircraft will be in two versions —the 400A with a current production Garrett TPE331-6, and the 400B with a 1,000 s.h.p.Garrett TPE 331. An original Interceptor has logged several thousand hours, and is capable of more than 240kt at 16,000ft. Several refinements have been made to the design and Prop-Jets now claims a capa bility of 280kt for the 400A, and 320kt for the 400B, with ranges greater than 1,000 miles. Latest state-of-the-art elec tronics, avionics, and other systems are to be installed, plus air conditioning as stan dard, and de-icing equipment. Prop-Jets says that the Inter ceptor will be "custom-built" to order, and that 20 deposits are necessary to start pro duction. Although not finally decided, the 400A is expected to have an initial price of $500,000, and the 400B $600,000. Basic IFR avionics will be included. Prop-Jets is planning a new production facility at Stinson Field, San Antonio, and has all the tooling necessary. Originally designed to build several hundred Aero Com mander 200s per year, the rigs and fixtures have been under going modifications for several months. Unlike Beech and, more particularly, Mike Smith with his own turboprop design, the new company is INTERCEPTOR 400A Max cruise Max range Certified ceiling Rate of climb Take-off ground roll Landing ground roll Stall speed Engine Gross weight Cabin pressure Fuel capacity Baggage Seats 280kt 1,1 50 miles 24,000ft 1,500ft/min 860ft 1.410ft 60kt Garrett TPE-331-6 4,0301b 3-0lb/in2 145 US gal 2001b 4 not faced with massive certifi cation costs, since it already has production tooling and the basic type certificate. Development costs do not have to be built into the initial purchase price, and a break even point is quoted at six aircraft a year. Prop-Jets is at 1168, 99th Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78214, telephone (512) 924- 3535. Design of the Lotus microlight was by Burt Rutan, and clearly owes a lot to his VariEze concept Lotus enters microlight business NORWICH Firm orders worth $4-8 million for more than 500 composite microlight aircraft have been received from the USA by UK sports car manu facturer Lotus. Complete aircraft will be delivered over the next three years to US distributor Eipper Aircraft, of California. Lotus entered the micro- light business early in 1982, when its late chief Colin Chapman (who was a pilot) identified the need for a microlight with better reliability and performance than current types. The design, according to project leader Patrick Peal, had to exhibit "exemplary flight characteristics and be enjoy able for both novice and experienced pilots — basically a 'real' aircraft, meeting the microlight regulations". Design of the all-composite airframe was carried out under contract by Burt Rutan in Reno, while the four-stroke engine is being built in-house by Lotus (see page 946). Pro duction airframes will be UK-manufactured. Although the long-term supplier has yet to be chosen, prototype and initial aircraft will be built by Huntingdon-based Specialised Mouldings. The first aircraft will be ready early next year. Price of a complete aircraft will be $14,700. 0-200 kit launched ALABAMA Teledyne Continental has introduced a kit version of the O-200, some 25,000 of which have been produced since the engine's introduction 24 years ago. Price is $6,890 in the USA, to include all com ponents except alternator or generator. The crankcase is machined to accommodate a fuel pump and vacuum pump, and cylin ders will be complete assem blies with valves, guides, and seats installed by the manu facturer. The specific type will be the O-200A tractor version, and new accessories will include magnetoes, harness, plugs, carburettor, airbox, and starter. The kit is designed to be assembled and signed-off by an FAA-licensed mechanic or foreign equivalent. BRIEFING In the USA, the US National Aircraft Association has increased its grant to AM. Weather by $5,000, bringing it to $50,000. The daily TV programme provides weather information through more than 250 US TV stations. 942 FLIGHT International, 8 October 1983
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